Prepping 101 – Preppers List of Supplies

OK, so you have decided that you want to take steps to protect your family from unseen events. You may not know what events to plan for or you could have a much defined idea of the threats you see, but regardless you recognize a need. There are people who come to the Prepper Journal after they read something on another prepping blog or they may have been visiting our site for a year. The newer visitors are usually just getting starting in this crazy world of Prepping and if they are anything like I was at the beginning, knowing where to start can be pretty daunting. Prepping isn’t the same for everyone but most people eventually look for a simple guideline to follow so I have pulled together this preppers list of supplies.

How is this list of supplies you need going to be different from any of the 523 million other lists out there? Maybe it won’t be, but I am going to try to go in order of importance so you can follow along at home and let me know what I missed or what should have received priority.

Your list may be completely different from mine, but I believe the items contained in this list of supplies will be common to most people and more importantly will be required if you are going to be as prepared as possible if the manure hits the hydro-electric powered oscillating air current distribution device. This list is not all-encompassing either. I am probably not going to have blacksmith supplies or leather working tools although I can see the use in each of those. This list is going to be for the average person to get by if we have a SHTF event, not start a new life in the wild west. Please let me know what additional items you would recommend and I’ll keep this list updated so you can print it out whenever you need to purchase items or want to build your supplies out.

Lastly, this list is primarily for Sheltering in Place and the requirements/resources the average person would be able to lay their hands on. This doesn’t take more extreme climates into consideration but should still provide a base regardless of where you live. For other lists you can check out our Resources page. For something more specific to the Bug Out Bag checklist, click here. Also this list is going to be missing the specifics of the amounts because each family or individual is different. So without further ado, here we go.

Water

Berkey Filters are excellent Prepper resources.

Method of Disinfecting or Filtering Water

Big Berkey Light or similar gravity fed water filter (capacity 2.25 gallons). It doesn’t get much easier than this. The capacity in only one of these units might not be enough for a family of 4 in the summer though so plan accordingly. You can also buy the filters and make your own water filter much cheaper.

Paint or coffee filters – to remove sediment prior to filtering. This will keep your filters working much longer if your source is murky. Bandannas or old t-shirts can be used too.

Freeze Dried foods would be the last item to stock up on unless you have an abundance of money and zero time. The benefit with these are super long shelf life and virtually zero work so even with the added cost, they are a really smart choice if you have the other bases covered first.

Precious Metals – Investigate this for yourself, but I find the arguments and historical track records against fiat currency and the current rumblings of Government wanting to take care of your investments for you very compelling. Gold is easier to transport with the high cost to weight, but you might have problems cashing a gold coin for a tank of gas. Silver is where I have chosen to invest in precious metals.

Pay off bills – move now to ensure you won’t be in debt if the economy collapses.

Tools/Misc.

For tools, these will be basic and not specialized. There are a lot of people who don’t live where there are any trees for example and most will not be building their own log cabin even if they do. Buy the best quality you can afford. You will feel the pain in your wallet one time, but the tool should last long enough to offset that.

I am just starting out and feel doomsday will happen before I am prepared? What is the first things I should purchase. I have made 2 purchases and those were 2 guns. It seems protection is the most important I am taking lessons on the gun’s I have purchased on shooting and care of guns. What next?

That is a common feeling to have when you start out. I had the same thoughts myself but things do not seem to happen as quickly as you think they will. Or at least they haven’t yet. I do still see a steady progression though and am glad I started prepping when I did.

Pat I felt the same way you did about becoming a prepper. One day something inside of me said ok look, it’s time to start making a list and to get going on this endeavor. I started with the basics. I have been prepping for about a year + and have collected quite a lot of supplies. I educated myself in ways to store food. I am a You Tube watching fool, always looking at videos on how to do this or that. I’d like to know how to meet others who are prepping as well. I don’t really know… Read more »

Of course the comments section in here is always another great resource of information.

Thanks,
Pat

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4 years ago

Guest

robinspat

Air guns (5000 pellets in a tin) for small game, rabbits – arrows and bows not ‘toy bows,’ reuseable and silent. Learn archery, good for upper body fitness as drawing much pulling weight in lbs over a few hours practice – and it’s fun 😉

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1 year ago

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Chuck whallon

Ya a good Sherman pellet rifle and 80lb. Bow with fishing attachment would work well. And all types of traps

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1 month ago

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Wannabe

Don’t let prepping overwhelm you because there are many companies wanting you to buy their product. And I agree with pat Henry, things are not as bad as what many think. I have been listening to doomsday talkers since 2011 about the imminent collapse around the corner and there will always be people saying this. So don’t rush to spend thousands of dollars. Do a little at a time and stay within your means. This is a good article because it gives you general categories such as a means to purify water, then food, then medicine, then security and also… Read more »

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1 year ago

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margo

you can’t eat guns..and what happens when you run out of ammo? not wisdom!

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1 year ago

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tealady3

i also am sort of new to prepping only have been doing so for a year. The problem I am having is that I live in a mobile home so if something happens I am out of here, I just want to know how much water can I store in my car and how long would it last?

Water should be able to be stored indefinitely provided it is not contaminated in any way. The problem with storing water in a car is the heat or cold. In the summer time, your water could bake. In really hot environments, if your water is stored in plastic, chemicals in the plastic can leech into your water. There could be some debate about what is the greater harm, chemicals or death by dehydration, but it is something to consider. In the same way, water in the winter can freeze, but as long as it isn’t getting contaminated from any other… Read more »

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4 years ago

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Health Maven

I realize this isn’t totally on point with the question, but a great source of water if you lose access to clean water from your water utility is your home water heater (assuming you don’t have a tankless heater). Those suckers can store as much of 60 gallons.

A hot water heater (or multiples thereof) can be plumbed in series with your regular hot water heater to keep stored water continually fresh. — They don’t need to hooked up for heating.
If the grid is going down, a plastic pool can be set up and filled before the water tower is depleted..

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1 year ago

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Wannabe

Get some lifestraws. No weight to worry about or spoiling due to temperatures. They filter the water as you drink.

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1 year ago

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Ricardo Mountabong

I don’t know if most people know this but if you use the SODIS method to purify water, Cryptosporidium won’t be killed until after 10 hours in sunlight (as apposed to the specified 6 hours), and Amoeba aren’t killed unless the temperature of the water is above 122° F (50° C). Both can be pretty bad.

That’s why I have a Big Berky myself. I would rather not leave that type of thing up to chance.

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4 years ago

Guest

Health Maven

Great information here. I would add some type of vitamin supplements to your list too since nutrition is going to be a big issue too. I found a great whole food vegetable concentrate made from freeze-dried veggies that has a long shelf life at http://www.simplyenof.com/Articles.asp?ID=304.

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4 years ago

Guest

i

first find a spot were you will go when the end comes. next recruit a few buddies that share the same end of the world views. fill them in on the spot you will go to when disaster happens. now the fun begins, every recruit has a job to do when its time to run for the hills. steal and pillage all supplies and food from anywhere you can in a 4 hour period, than take it back to camp and live your life to the fullest. that simple. any walmart or small store will have everything you need to… Read more »

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4 years ago

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Joshua D Bird

This isn’t the end of the world prepping. If the end of the world is happening there is no need to prepared. What you just described is a good way to die really fast. You think you’re going to wait until something happens and hold down a store for supplies? Last place you want to be is in the middle of a situation happening. Looting and stealing supplies while a disaster or incident is happening good way to die. Why? Because there’s going to be thousands of other people doing the exact same thing. Anything happens, i’m going to sit… Read more »

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2 years ago

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DaDad

Everyone thinks they will “walk toward the light”, until they realize how precious life is. Then they fight for every second of breath.
The best “survival” is having enough where-with-all to keep your head down and get through the cataclysm. Nuclear war can be survived either being given or having made the right circumstances. I estimate we have until the fall of 2018 to make those “right circumstances”.

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1 year ago

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SC

Seeds!

Also, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to put together an encyclopedia of information (how-to reference, maps, etc.) on a thumb drive/Kindle/tablet

It certainly doesn’t hurt. As long as you have access to something that will read those files you could have a ton of information in a tiny carrying space.

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4 years ago

Guest

Dearl Hardy

I just read your article, its great your helping folks out like this sharing your knowledge and experience. Ive been prepping now for about 5 years slowly growing our preps for our family but I noticed a couple of items I really think you should add to your list if you dont mind my suggestions. Not that I know anything you dont but if we all share ideas we can help each other. which is my first point. If you have a couple of friends you can trust, work with them and each work on specific lists to grow your… Read more »

Thank you very much Dearl and great ideas! I’ll get those added to the list also.

Pat

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4 years ago

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SunnyBrook

Amen! Thats at the top of my list. God bless you and yours!

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3 years ago

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Joshua D Bird

I made the mistake of trying to wake people up to my concept of what the country was coming to. My view of shtf and how i thought it was going to happen. I also told people about my prepping and how i believed it would help. Now i’m pretty sure if anything did occur i would have a few or more uninvited guests. The one guy literally said “Im coming to your house if shit goes down” No the hell you aren’t. I tell people these things so they will prepare themselves. Or help them awaken to the things… Read more »

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2 years ago

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Room101

Great informative stuff @ this website.
I’m just getting started and just have a hunch time is getting short…

I’ll have to look into that Johanna. Are they like the rocket stoves? I have an EcoZoom that would probably be similar in concept.

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4 years ago

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Neville

1. Something else to consider is a smart phone. My phone has a 32gig memory chip. It can holds LOTS of info. Some paperback books will be good to have. But even off the grid a phone can still access certain apps that have been downloade. I have about 50 books on my phone. A compass. Maps. I can draw a quick map or list with my stylis too. I can easily share documents and file by just tapping my phone on another smart phone. Take pictures and zoom in on them. Great to check progress walking and general references.… Read more »

I would also add-1. A bible (in times of distress it’s good to have hope!) 2. Grapefruit seed extract (we used it in Africa to clean water and ward off parasites) 3. Essential oils (most of anti-vital, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and last a long time!)

Thanks for all the great info!

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4 years ago

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Isaac

Being from the south, we eat a lot of cornbread, so I would have to add cornmeal to this list. I think that cornbread would be an excellent option for a grid down situation. It’s very simple to make, cornmeal, and water, plus salt or any extra veggies you may have. I would also add dry pasta, and oil, for cooking and seasoning your cast iron. I may have missed this, but what about peroxide and alcohol? But you thought of a lot of things I never would have. Great list!

Thank you Issac. Excellent point about the oils for seasoning your cast iron!

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3 years ago

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Joshua D Bird

Peroxide expires pretty fast.

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2 years ago

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Jaybee

It’s not recommended that you wash wounds with peroxide anymore–it kills infection-fighting cells and bacteria. Copious amounts of clean water, under pressure if the wound is dirty (squirt from a big syringe through a small opening) suffices. –An ER doc

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2 years ago

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I'm Right

Liquor for trade.

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3 years ago

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Leah

not sure if anyone mentioned, but a bicycle. i know i keep mine tuned up – quicker than walking, dont need any fuel but yourself.

I don’t know if that made this list Leah, but we have mentioned them before. I agree that they are good items to have but sadly I don’t even have one. I do have plans to get bikes for the family, maybe Christmas this year…

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3 years ago

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Diaspora

Alcohol! Can be used for trading, to make suspensions of medicinal plants, and disinfect wounds in a pinch.

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3 years ago

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Kathy

I don’t know if I saw drinking alcohol (many uses) or coffee (helpful when you need energy to keep going) on the list.

Glad i started prepping. I’ve slacked off for awhile, but i’m back. Last year my cities water was considered undrinkable for about 3 days. Couldnt drink it, use it in anyway, not even a shower. Was said to cause vomiting, rashes, etc. You couldn’t go to a store in this city and find water any where. It was crazy. I had about 6 10 gallon jugs of water, stored away. Another thing was the whole gun ban hype after sandy hook. For a long long time you literally couldn’t find ammo. Or if you did you were paying a few… Read more »

The flashlight is bright using LED technology to power 1000 lumens. You are positive to get both qualities and even more, with the Vizeri flashlight. You can utilize it to visually communicate your location, with the brightness you have in your flashlight.

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2 years ago

Guest

Bobbyann

Great list 🙂 The only thing I would suggest to add would be applied knowledge- for example there is no point in having seeds if you don’t know how to grow what you’ve got. Even if you don’t have access to land or a garden atm try growing crops in pots. Learn about the different soil and nutrient requirements for your selected plants, how to make fertlisers etc. If you are collecting tools know what to do with them, if you have info on foraging apply it now or go on foraging walks with local groups. Whatever skills you think… Read more »

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2 years ago

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gia

I would add seeds .Vegetables seeds plus edible and medical herbal seeds for instance wild oregano oil or thyme can be used orally for infection. I use wild oregano instead of antibiotics all the time. Good idea to learn how to grow edibles as well storing. Also if done right seeds can be stored for years. Buy in bulk alot of garden sites sell heirloom seeds in large quantities. This is what I have been working on and plan to expand on. It’s also a really good idea to have a detailed map of your immediate area with it you… Read more »

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2 years ago

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Robert

Didn’t see this on the list and it could be an entire new thread. But first have a olan of what you will do. Think of all scenarios. What to do if you are not at home with the family. Where do you meet? Do you have a bug out site that everyone who needs to know has a map to it and knows when to bug out. Make sure you have what you need from this llist at the bug out site already. Do not try to haul what you need once you get there. You wil never make… Read more »

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2 years ago

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R. Ann

Hey, boss man,
Sorry if I read over it – smoke/CO2 detector(s)?
I saw the fire extinguishers, but the alarms can buy time.
We lose lives, property and buildings – and unfortunately, livestock and barns – every year for lack of that pair.

ok, please don’t laugh, a lot of the ‘prepping’ lists for food contain pasta…should you cook it then vacuum seal it so you don’t have to waste water later on? or leave it dry and waste your water using it?

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1 year ago

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Bilbo Baggins

You want the pasta dry because it will last for years. If it is cooked and moist then it will spoil quickly.

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9 months ago

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Zach

I am a new prepper about to take my first trip to Sam’s Club. I want to start buying things over the next 6 months. I know water comes first. Should I start storing bottled water, or is there a better way?

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1 year ago

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T. T.

Switch out portable DVD player on batteries (which usually only can play 1 movie before dying) and add cassette player and books on tape or audio cassette.

Great list for those people who want to start prepping but don’t know how. It would be really great to add survival seeds on that list. Learning how to homestead or growing food will save you a lot of money for survival food. Also, it would be great to consider the place where you’re residing and stock the necessary items you will definitely need in case of SHTF.

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1 year ago

Guest

Darlene Anastas

May I suggest a biolite stove. They can charge small devices, burn small amount of fuel for a meal, and provide LED lighting. Great little stoves. The base camp stove is larger and can do all of the above plus more heat. check them out.

Nice list, I know you have rope on there but I think 550 or paracord would be better. You could use it off the roll or pull the smaller cords out of the center for smaller work. That stuff has so many uses and is cheap.

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11 months ago

Guest

Jingles

With the availability of Kindles, I Pads, and other such battery operated data storage devices you might want to store your reference, survival and medical reference books on those devices for future use if needed
Additionally add some tampons and Sanitary Napkins to your first aid kits they are cheaper and better than Battle dressings for large wounds.

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8 months ago

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